The Bulldogs made two double-digit runs en route to the victory. They opened with an 11-0 run, which helped them lead 13-5 after one quarter and 19-13 at halftime. Leading 31-19 after three quarters, they opened the final quarter with a 10-0 run.

“They just started … declining and (kept) declining,” said Finley, who helped lead Hardin-Central offensively with 13 points. “(They) couldn’t catch back up.”

Wyatt Craven, who also scored 13 points, felt that ball movement was vital to getting the victory Monday. The Bulldogs are moving the ball around the floor better than they did last season, he said. That was evident Monday, he suggested.

“They’re really patient with the ball – and if they get a lead or if they’re right there in it, they’re going to hold the ball or run minutes off the clock and limit your possessions,” he said. “So if you can get out on them, then … that takes that away from them.”